Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO)

Members of the Bilingual Education Students Organization helped children make colorful fiesta flowers during Explore UT last spring.

Contact Person: Sarai Vazquez, lovelysarai@yahoo.com
Advisor: Dr. Deb Palmer, SZB 440, 232-4015
Advisor: Sue Gamel, SZB 216, 471-3223
Office Location: SZB 282, 471-7010

Website: http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/beso/

BESO is a College of Education student organization designed for future teachers who are interested in issues surrounding bilingual education. At monthly meetings and during social events, members can share ideas, practices and information about bilingual education, develop support groups, learn about the newest research and network with others who have similar career goals. BESO meetings often feature guest speakers, such as teachers, principals, or legislators, who are professionally affiliated with or knowledgeable about bilingual education. One highlight of the year for BESO members is the faculty and student reception that is held at the beginning of the fall semester to welcome new students. Bilingual education faculty attend the reception and students have an opportunity to meet instructors and get to know them better on a personal level. In addition to the reception, other social or volunteer activities include participating in the Dia de los Muertos parade, having a Posada, or holiday celebration, working at the Texas Book Festival, Explore UT, and Longhorn Halloween, helping Frank Erwin Center Staff prepare for concerts, working as ushers at football games, and holding bake sales, car washes, and garage sales that serve as fundraisers for the club.